AL mode in the camera Xiaomi: what it is, how it works and why you need

If you own a Xiaomi smartphone with an advanced camera (like the Redmi Note 12 Pro)+, Xiaomi 13 Ultra or POCO F5 Pro, then could notice in the camera settings a mysterious abbreviation AL. This mode appears on the menu next to the usual HDR, AI It's professional, but not everyone understands what it's responsible for, and there are conflicting explanations online, from "automatic lighting" to "artificial intelligence for portraits".

Actually. AL (Or Artificial Lighting, which is a unique technology from Xiaomi that combines hardware and software to improve shooting in challenging lighting conditions. HDR, It actively simulates light, mimicking the work of professional software (for example, DxO Photolab or Lightroom). AL It is not available on all devices – it is supported only by flagship and some mid-budget models with multi-module cameras.

In this article, we will discuss in detail:

• 🔍 What exactly does the regime do? AL and how it differs from HDR and AI;
• 📱 On which smartphones Xiaomi is available AL and how to turn it on;
• 🌄 In which scenes is it really useful, and where is it better to turn off;
• ⚙️ Hidden settings and life hacks for fine tuning;
• ⚠️ Possible pitfalls (for example, why photos can be obtained with plastic").

What is it? AL Xiaomi camera: technical decoding

abbreviation AL It stands for Artificial Lighting, a proprietary technology from Xiaomi that debuted in the Mi 11 Ultra (2021) and has evolved since. HDR, which simply combines several frames with different exposures, AL level-work 3D-scenery:

1.The camera analyzes the depth of the object (using data from the ToF sensor or stereoscopic modules).

2.The algorithm separates the foreground and background, determining the sources of light and shadow.

3. Virtual light sources are added software-like if you were shooting in a studio with softboxes.

4 Color temperatures are adjusted to avoid cold or warm distortions.

In fact, AL — It's a hybrid. HDR And it's also a portrait mode, but it's focused on light, not on blurring the background, so for example, if you're photographing a person against the sun, it automatically lights up your face, as if there's a reflector next to you.

AL vs HDR vs AI: What's the difference and what's better

Many users are confused AL with other image enhancement modes. Let's look at the key differences in the table:

Critical difference: AL work 3D-a model of the stage, and HDR and AI operate only 2D-For example, if you're photographing a statue in a dark room with a backlit on the side, AL "And he'll figure out, "The light should fall evenly, and he'll virtually add the filler light." HDR It's just going to make the shadows brighter, but without the volume.

🔹 When to choose AL:

• 👤 Portraits in counterlight (for example, against the background of sunset);
• 🏛️ Architecture with sharp shadows;
• 🎨 Photographing of objects (food, souvenirs) with uneven lighting.

💡

If you want the most natural photo, turn it off. AL and use only HDR. Regime. AL It is better suited for "studio" shots, where the dramatic light is important.

On which smartphones Xiaomi has a mode AL

Technology AL It requires a powerful processor and a multi-module camera, so it's not available on all devices. AL (as of 2026):

• 📱 Flagships: Xiaomi 13 Ultra, Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Pro, Xiaomi 12S Ultra;
• 📱 Premium Series: Xiaomi 13 Pro, Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 12 Pro;
• 📱 Redmi: Redmi Note 12 Pro+ 5G, Redmi K60 Pro, Redmi K50 Ultra;
• 📱 POCO: POCO F5 Pro, POCO X5 Pro 5G;
• 📱 Foldable: Xiaomi MIX Fold 3, Xiaomi MIX Fold 2.

🔹 How to check if there is AL on your Xiaomi:

1. Open the Camera app;
2. Go to Photo mode;
3. Touch the badge. ⚙️ Settings (or swipe up the screen);
4. Look for the switch. AL or artificial lighting.

⚠️ Note: On some devices (e.g. Redmi Note 11 Pro)+) regime AL To activate it, update the Camera app to the latest version via Google Play or MIUI App Store.

How to turn on and set up the mode AL: step-by-step

Activate AL It's simple, but for the best results, you need to set the associated parameters correctly:

Step 1: Initiation of the regime

1. Open the camera and select the Photo mode.
2. Slap the icon. ⚙️ (Or swipe your finger up for additional settings);
3. Find the switch. AL (Artificial lighting and activate it;
4. Wait for the sign to come out. AL active at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Additional settings (optional)

• 🔄 Level. AL: In some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Ultra) you can choose the intensity of the effect - Weak, Medium or Strong;
• 🎨 Color temperature: if the light is too cold/warm, adjust manually in Professional mode;
• 👁️ Live viewing: Turn on in the camera settings to see the effect AL before filming.

Step 3: Shooting and saving

Press the down button and don't move the phone while processing is underway (the download indicator will appear on the screen). AL Weighs more than normal (up to 10-15 MB), so make sure your device has enough memory.

💡

Regime. AL It only works in Photo mode, and in Video, Portrait or Night, it turns off automatically.

Common mistakes in the use of AL and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes get unsatisfactory results from the AL. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

🔸 "Faces look like plastic dolls"

It's because of the overcorrection of shadows and glare. Solution: Reduce the level of the light. AL You can either turn it off for good light portraits or you can also check if you're simultaneously in Beauty mode, because they often work together and they don't work naturally.

🔸 "Photos are stored for a long time or the camera freezes"

Regime. AL It requires a lot of computing power. 8 Gen 1/2 processing 2–3 on smaller chips (e.g. Dimensity) 1080) — before 5–7 Solution: Close the background apps before shooting and make sure the phone doesn't overheat.

🔸 "Colors look unnatural"

AL Sometimes overdoses color correction, especially in scenes with artificial light (such as in restaurants).Solution: Go to Professional Mode and manually set white balance (WB) 4,000–5000K.

⚠️ Note: If you are shooting in a format RAW, regime AL It is automatically shut down because it only works with JPEG. To maintain the effects AL, Select the settings to Save and RAW, and JPEG.

The regime's hidden chips AL: What does it do, but does not advertise Xiaomi

The manufacturer does not disclose all the possibilities AL, But enthusiasts have discovered a few hidden features:

🔹 Nighttime footage from AL

Officially. AL It does not work in Night mode, but on some models (for example, Xiaomi 13 Pro) it can be activated via Professional mode:

1. Choose a Professional Mode;
2. Install. ISO on 1600–3200 and exposure 1/10–1/4;
3. Turn it on. AL customized;
4. Take a picture with manual focus.

The result will be similar to a studio photo with a softbox.

🔹 AL macrography

If your smartphone supports macro photography (for example, Redmi Note 12 Pro)+ with a 2MP macro camera, turn on AL The algorithm will add volumetric light by emphasizing texture (e.g., on coins, insects or tissues).

🔹 Export of settings AL

Xiaomi 14 Ultra can save user profile AL (For example, with a reduced intensity of backlighting) and apply it in one tap:

1. Take a test shot with the necessary settings;
2. Open it in the gallery and tap the information → Keep your style AL;
3. When you next shoot, select the saved profile in the menu. AL.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi’s AL mode